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Architecture school

Southern Polytechnic State University architecture students can learn from the new $12 million glass, brick and concrete building that houses their school. The building's mechanical systems, structural connections, lighting and other features are exposed so students can see how the building is assembled. Heery International of Atlanta won an excellence award for the project.

It is simple modernism at its best," said juror Graham Gund. "The contrasting use of glass and masonry, along with the changes in form, give the building a dynamic that is engaging. [It's a] perfect pedagogical building for young architects."

Heery International is a 50-year-old firm with 1,100 employees worldwide. Its most notable projects include Turner Field, the Georgia World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome.

Herman Miller

Scogin Elam & Bray Architects Inc. won a design excellence award for the Herman Miller Cherokee Operations project in Canton it completed in 2000. Jurors called the 330,000-square-foot, $17.9 million building a "stunning project" that was environmentally friendly.

"There was a desire to place emphasis on the beautiful rolling hills surrounding the project site," said San Francisco-based juror Sandra Mendler. "It's an industrial facility and we were impressed by the commitment to make architecture and by the sculptural quality of its minimalist composition."

Scogin Elam & Bray Architects became Mack Scogin Merill Elam Architects Inc. in 2000 when Lloyd Bray left to start his own firm. Scogin and Elam have 19 employees and have been winning projects such as a new federal courthouse in Austin, Texas.

Freedom Lofts

Widespread structural modifications were required to turn an existing industrial building into the 62-unit Freedom Lofts complex. Smith Dalia Architects LLC won an excellence award for the $7.1 million "difficult adaptive reuse" project that was completed this past July.

"The removal of portions of the original roof to create interior courtyards and exterior circulation paths enhances the value and quality of living for the residents," said juror Robert Madison. "The exposed existing trusses  and the extensive planting  creates a secluded garden atmosphere." Smith Dalia Architects has been in Atlanta since 1987 and has 24 employees. A specialist in urban infill and adaptive use buildings, the firm has worked on projects such as King Plow Arts Center and Piedmont Park.

Copenhill Lofts; stable

Surber, Barber, Choate & Hertlein Architects Inc. (SBCH) won excellence awards for a modern loft complex near The Carter Center and a horse stable/art studio for a Seattle couple.

The $7 million loft project  Copenhill Lofts  was completed last fall. Made of stucco and concrete, jurors said the U-shaped building "creates a sense of community." SBCH focused on creating "tall, open spaces with lots of light," showing that new buildings don't have to look old to exude a loft vibe.

"The building appears relaxed and comfortable on its site," said Boston-based juror Graham Gund. "The landscaping with courtyard seems to follow from the building forms creating beautiful patterns. An outstanding project."

Meanwhile, the horse stable/art studio was completed in 2001.

"The notion was to put both functions into one building that was about 50 feet from the house," said James Choate III, the principal in charge of the project. "It was very important to them that the building harmonized with the property they were on, so we used natural materials of stacked stone and wood."

Surber, Barber, Choate & Hertlein was founded in 1971 and has become known for its adaptive reuse and renovation projects. The 30-person firm's notable projects include the Margaret Mitchell House and converting Roosevelt High School into multifamily housing.

Merrill Lynch

Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates Inc. (TVSA) won an excellence award for bringing a quaint college campus aesthetic to Merrill Lynch's Hopewell, N.J.-based headquarters. The eight red brick buildings were completed last year, said TVSA's Michael Ezell. He would not disclose the project's cost.

"Using the planning models of a New England Commons, Main Street, Town Square and College Quadrangle, the buildings take on a unique character and facilitate a diversity of experience," said juror Graham Gund.

Founded in Atlanta in 1968, Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates opened its Chicago office four years ago. The 275-employee firm has worked on projects such as the Omni CNN Center and United Parcel Service Inc.'s headquarters.

Editor's note: TVSA also won an award of excellence for WestWayne advertising, 1700 Peachtree St. N.E. This information is included in a profile of Steven W. Clem, the principal in charge, on page 15C.

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